Living in a society where the work days are getting longer and the nights of rest are getting shorter, the general population is living at the highest level of stress ever known. What is causing these raised levels of stress and how can we combat this? 
Typically, when someone is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or worrisome, their body shifts into overdrive and activates what is known as the sympathetic nervous system. Under normal circumstances, this only lasts for a short period of time before the body is able to rest and reenergize. However, in the busy lives of many americans, the body is not able to rest and recover. This can lead to many aversive neurological functions. One in particular is the suppression of endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are fat molecules that are found in the brain that can help mediate stress and modulate immune responses. They have shown to be more active in patients with high levels of stress or psychological disorders. However, if our body is not equipped to deal with long term, chronic stress, does our body get enough signaling from these receptors? Given the nature and symptoms of stress, I would argue that our body does not get enough endocannabinoid signaling.
Strangely enough, there is a common medicinal and recreational drug that does activate these types of receptors. It comes from the cannabis plant and is known as marijuana. While there are many speculations surrounding this drug, it has shown to activate these types of receptors and help regulate stress and other psychological and physiological disease.
While this drug may have some positive affects on everyday functions and other diseases, our knowledge on this topic is severely limited. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) , marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This means that it is illegal to own the drug, sell the drug, use the drug, or research the drug. Because of this, no one really knows the true benefits or consequences of its use.
If this drug was legalized, the public would be more informed and knowledgable of its true affects. Physicians would be able to understand its uses and be able to prescribe this drug with more confidence for medicinal purposes. It is also possible that there would be less experimental in the recreational setting because young adults would be more aware of its dangers.
Overall, the stigma surrounding marijuana is out of fear. I do not think it is rational nor appropriate to condemn a drug that could have such positive affects on so many people. Marijuana is currently legalized in two states and twenty-five European countries, I think it is time that we continue to change with the ever changing world.
New form of Stress Relief
